THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, June 30, 1996                 TAG: 9606300050
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY STEVE STONE, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   52 lines

SUSPECTS IN MURDER MAY HAVE BEEN IN BURGLARY RING ACCORDING TO POLICE, DRUG SUSPECTS' HOMES WERE THEIR TARGET.

It appears to be a case of bad guys targeting bad guys.

Police on Saturday said two suspects charged with murder in the shooting death of a 24-year-old man also are suspected of burglarizing the homes of alleged drug dealers, making off with a large number of guns.

They are charged in the slaying of Derek L. Creed, 24, who was found in his home in the 4900 block of April Ave. Monday evening with a bullet wound to his head. He died two days later at Virginia Beach General Hospital.

On Thursday, about 8:30 p.m., police arrested Herman George Williams, 26, of the 3000 block of Dunkirk Ave. in Norfolk.

The circumstances of his arrest are unclear. For ``investigative reasons,'' police said they can release no other details.

Williams was being held at the city jail without bond on charges of murder, robbery, burglary and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Then, on Friday, about 7 p.m., police arrested John Edward Bryant, 25, of the 1300 block of W. 26th St. He was picked up without incident at the corner 38th Street and Colley Avenue.

He, too, was being held without bond at the city jail.

Bryant is charged with murder, abduction, using a gun while committing a felony, possession of gun by a convicted felon, robbery, burglary while armed and conspiracy to commit a felony.

``Investigators have said that numerous weapons have been recovered as a result of these two arrests and that more arrests are anticipated,'' said Lou Thurston, a police spokesman. ``Also, according to investigators, these men were apparently targeting the residences of drug dealers for burglaries.''

Thurston said that ``the investigation into this case, as well as other similar cases, is ongoing,'' although he could not elaborate. He did say, however, that there is the ``strong possibility'' that other people involved in the drug trade may have had their homes burglarized but have been afraid to come forward.

Thurston said any such victims are still urged to call homicide investigators at 427-4101 or call Crime Solvers at 427-0000. Anyone else with information is also asked to call. ILLUSTRATION: Color photos

Murder suspects Herman George Williams, top, and John Edward Bryant

are being held without bond.

Photo

Derek L. Creed, 24, was found in his home Monday evening with a

bullet wound to his head. He died two days later.

KEYWORDS: MURDER SHOOTING ARREST by CNB